By Jessica Wurst

As a community leader in Sacramento, Jelena Iliasov is proud to be part of one of the largest Russian-speaking groups in the country. But California did not always feel like home. When she and her family moved to the United States 15 years ago, learning the new geography, language and culture was overwhelming.

"I still remember the challenges my family and I experienced while adapting to a new country," she said. "I remember how much easier and less overwhelming it could feel when important information was available in your native language."

That experience, and her desire to help make resources available to her community, shaped her decision to volunteer with the American Red Cross.

Her husband, Kamal, was the first volunteer. Not long afterward, Iliasov met Diverse Community Investment and Community Disaster Program Manager, Francis Huezo, who wanted to expand outreach within the Russian-speaking community.

“Francis introduced us to three other new volunteers and shared her vision of building a strong, welcoming team of Russian-speaking volunteers. She explained that there was a significant gap in reaching the Russian-speaking community with information about the Red Cross, its mission and the resources and assistance it provides. That vision resonated deeply with me.”

The opportunity was a natural fit. It combined her passion for communication with her desire to help people navigate unfamiliar systems.

Now, Iliasov serves as the lead of the Russian-speaking volunteer team. She onboards volunteers, translates educational documents and connects people with American Red Cross programs and services.

"What I enjoy most is meeting people and seeing how even a small contribution can make someone feel supported and connected," she said.

Some of the most meaningful moments for Iliasov and her peers come from seeing growth between the Red Cross and the Russian-speaking community. One of her favorite “mission moments” was during a presentation where a mother who had recently moved to the United States mentioned that her home did not have smoke alarms. A few days later, Red Cross volunteers installed them.

"She could hardly believe that an organization could respond so quickly and that people she had just met would genuinely care about her family's safety," Iliasov said.

What happened next made the experience even more special. The woman and her husband joined the volunteer team.

"They have four small children and busy work and family responsibilities, yet they still wanted to find a way to serve their community, share warmth, care and help other people," Iliasov said.

For Iliasov, moments like these reinforce the power of community and her belief that everyone has something valuable to contribute. She makes a conscious effort to make sure each volunteer knows that they are heard and that their opinion is valued. In her eyes, this is how success happens.

Over the years, Iliasov has watched more Russian-speaking community members become engaged, informed and confident after receiving information and support in their own language.

These moments and connections are reminders that meaningful service often begins with helping people feel seen, understood and welcome.